The Ruined Maid
Thomas Hardy
1840 to 1928
Track 1
Reconstruct the poem by dragging each line into its correct position. Your goal is to reassemble the original poem as accurately as possible. As you move the lines, you'll see whether your arrangement is correct, helping you explore the poem's flow and meaning. Take your time, enjoy the process, and discover how the poet's words come together to create something truly beautiful.
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— "You left us in tatters, without shoes or socks,
And you'd sigh, and you'd sock; but at present you seem
Your talking quite fits 'ee for high compa-ny!" —
— "At home in the barton you said thee' and thou,'
— "I wish I had feathers, a fine sweeping gown,
Who could have supposed I should meet you in Town?
"True. One's pretty lively when ruined," said she.
And thik oon,' and theäs oon,' and t'other'; but now
Tired of digging potatoes, and spudding up docks;
Cannot quite expect that. You ain't ruined," said she.
And now you've gay bracelets and bright feathers three!" —
— "Your hands were like paws then, your face blue and bleak
And your little gloves fit as on any la-dy!" —
"O 'Melia, my dear, this does everything crown!
"Yes: that's how we dress when we're ruined," said she.
— "You used to call home-life a hag-ridden dream,
To know not of megrims or melancho-ly!" —
But now I'm bewitched by your delicate cheek,
And a delicate face, and could strut about Town!" —
"We never do work when we're ruined," said she.
"Some polish is gained with one's ruin," said she.
And whence such fair garments, such prosperi-ty?" —
"O didn't you know I'd been ruined?" said she.
"My dear — a raw country girl, such as you be,